Safety valve device, safety valve unit, battery unit, and method for manufacturing safety valve device

Abstract

To secure sufficient rigidity of a fitting member for fixing a valve member to a substrate.SOLUTION: A safety valve device 200 includes: a substrate 40 in which a vent hole 45 is formed; a valve member 50 formed from an elastic material and blocking the vent hole 45; and a fitting member 60 made from a metal or resin and fixing the valve member 50 to the substrate 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a valve device. [Background technology]

[0002] Valve devices using a valve member made of an elastic material have been proposed in the past. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an umbrella-type valve in which a valve stem for installation is integrally formed on the underside of a disc-shaped valve body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-129235 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the valve stem for attaching the valve element is integrally formed from the same material as the valve element, making it difficult to ensure sufficient rigidity for the valve stem. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to ensure sufficient rigidity for an attachment member for fixing the valve element to a substrate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a safety valve device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a base material having an air vent formed therein, a valve member formed from an elastic material and blocking the air vent, and a metal or resin mounting member that fixes the valve member to the base material.

[0006] A safety valve unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a safety valve unit that is installed on a substrate having an air vent formed therein, and includes a valve member formed from an elastic material that blocks the air vent, and a metal or resin mounting member that secures the valve member to the substrate.

[0007] A battery unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing including a base material having air pores formed therein, a battery housed in the housing, a valve member formed from an elastic material that closes the air vent, and a metal or resin mounting member that secures the valve member to the base material.

[0008] A method for manufacturing a safety valve device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a safety valve device comprising a substrate having an air vent and an attachment hole formed therein, a valve member formed from an elastic material and blocking the air vent, and a metal or resin attachment member for fixing the valve member to the substrate, and includes a first step of forming a safety valve unit by attaching the attachment member to the valve member, and a second step of fixing the safety valve unit to the substrate using the attachment member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the safety valve device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram regarding the attachment of the attachment member. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a safety valve device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a safety valve device according to a modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a safety valve device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensions and scale of each element in each drawing may differ from those of the actual product. Furthermore, the embodiment described below is an exemplary embodiment that may be envisioned when carrying out the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment exemplified below.

[0011] A: First embodiment Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery unit 100 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the battery unit 100 of the first embodiment is used as a power supply device in a mobile object such as an electric vehicle. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the battery unit 100 includes a battery 10, a housing 20, and a safety valve unit 30.

[0012] The battery 10 is, for example, a battery pack composed of multiple battery cells (not shown). Each battery cell is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The housing 20 is a hollow structure that houses the battery 10. Specifically, the housing 20 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape including a base material 40, a bottom surface portion 21, and side surface portions 22. The base material 40 and the bottom surface portion 21 are rectangular plate-like members that face each other with a predetermined gap between them. The side surface portions 22 are rectangular frame-like members that connect the periphery of the base material 40 and the periphery of the bottom surface portion 21.

[0013] The first space S1 in FIG. 1 is a space outside the housing 20. The first space S1 is, for example, a space open to the atmosphere. On the other hand, the second space S2 is a space inside the housing 20. That is, the first space S1 and the second space S2 are spaces separated by the base material 40 of the housing 20. In the above configuration, heat generated by the battery 10 may cause the air in the second space S2 to expand, increasing the pressure in the second space S2.

[0014] The safety valve device 200 is configured by the base material 40 of the housing 20 and the safety valve unit 30. The safety valve device 200 is a valve mechanism that, when the pressure in the second space S2 increases, releases gas (e.g., air) in the second space S2 to reduce the pressure in the second space S2. The safety valve device 200 also functions as a sealing device that prevents foreign matter such as moisture or dust from entering the second space S2 from the first space S1. Note that, for convenience, the first embodiment focuses on one safety valve unit 30, but multiple safety valve units 30 may be installed on the base material 40.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the safety valve device 200 in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. A central axis C of the safety valve device 200 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In the following description, the direction along the central axis C will be referred to as the "axial direction." The axial direction is divided into the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction, which face opposite each other. The first space S1 described above is a space located in the Z1 direction of the substrate 40, and the second space S2 is a space located in the Z2 direction of the substrate 40. In addition, in the following description, observing an arbitrary object from a viewpoint along the axial direction will be referred to as a "planar view."

[0016] In the following description, the direction of the circumference of an imaginary circle of any diameter centered on the central axis C will be referred to as the "circumferential direction," and the direction of the radius of the imaginary circle will be referred to as the "radial direction." In the radial direction, the direction toward the central axis C will be referred to as the "inner side," and the direction away from the central axis C will be referred to as the "outer side."

[0017] 3, the base material 40 of the housing 20 is a plate-like member including a first surface F1 and a second surface F2. The first surface F1 and the second surface F2 are plate surfaces on opposite sides of each other. Specifically, the first surface F1 is the outer surface of the base material 40 in the Z1 direction, and the second surface F2 is the inner surface of the base material 40 facing the Z2 direction.

[0018] Fig. 4 is a plan view of the base material 40. Fig. 4 illustrates the state in which the safety valve unit 30 is omitted from the safety valve device 200 (Fig. 2). As illustrated in Fig. 4, the base material 40 of the first embodiment includes a base portion 41, a support portion 42, and a plurality of connecting portions 43.

[0019] The base portion 41 is a flat plate-like portion that constitutes the majority of the base material 40. An opening 44 is formed in the base portion 41. The opening 44 is a circular through-hole in a plan view. The support portion 42 is a circular portion located inside the opening 44 in a plan view. The inner diameter of the opening 44 in the base portion 41 is greater than the outer diameter of the support portion 42. Therefore, an annular space (hereinafter referred to as "vent hole 45") is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the base portion 41 and the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 42. The vent hole 45 is a passage for releasing gas in the second space S2 to the first space S1.

[0020] An attachment hole 46 is formed in the support part 42. The attachment hole 46 is a through-hole that penetrates the base material 40. Fig. 4 shows an X axis and a Y axis that are perpendicular to each other in a plane perpendicular to the central axis C. The attachment hole 46 of the support part 42 is formed in a rectangular shape that is elongated in the direction of the Y axis.

[0021] The multiple connecting portions 43 are portions that extend linearly in the radial direction and connect the base portion 41 and the support portion 42. That is, the support portion 42 is supported on the base portion 41 by the multiple connecting portions 43. The multiple connecting portions 43 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the air vent 45, which is annular in plan view, is divided into multiple fan-shaped regions by the connecting portions 43. As described above, the air vent 45 is formed in the base material 40 of the first embodiment.

[0022] 1 to 3, the safety valve unit 30 includes a valve member 50 and a mounting member 60. The valve member 50 is formed from an elastic material. The elastic material used to form the valve member 50 is, for example, various rubber materials. For example, various rubber materials such as chloroprene rubber (CR), silicone rubber (SR), acrylic rubber (ACM), urethane rubber (U), polyurethane rubber (PUR), vinyl methyl silicone rubber (VMQ), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), or fluororubber (FKM) are used as the main material of the valve member 50.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the valve member 50. FIG. 5 illustrates the safety valve device 200 (FIG. 2) without the mounting member 60. As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the valve member 50 of the first embodiment is a structure including an annular portion 51, a tubular portion 52, and a movable portion 53. Specifically, the valve member 50 is a molded product in which the annular portion 51, the tubular portion 52, and the movable portion 53 are integrally formed by a molding technique such as injection molding or compression molding. However, the valve member 50 may also be formed by joining multiple portions that are formed separately from one another. The thickness of the valve member 50 is approximately constant in the annular portion 51, the tubular portion 52, and the movable portion 53. However, the thickness may differ in each portion of the valve member 50.

[0024] The annular portion 51 is a flat plate-shaped portion. The annular portion 51 is formed in an annular shape that is coaxial with the central axis C. That is, a circular opening 54 is formed in the annular portion 51 that is coaxial with the central axis C. The outer diameter of the annular portion 51 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the support portion 42. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the surface of the annular portion 51 in the Z2 direction contacts the first surface F1 of the support portion 42 of the base material 40. Specifically, the annular portion 51 of the valve member 50 is supported by the support portion 42 that is located inside the air vent 45.

[0025] 5, the inner diameter of opening 54 of annular portion 51 is equal to the longitudinal dimension (total length) of mounting hole 46 of support portion 42, or is slightly longer than the total length of mounting hole 46. Therefore, mounting hole 46 of support portion 42 in base material 40 is located inside opening 54 of annular portion 51 in plan view.

[0026] 3, the tubular portion 52 is a cylindrical portion that protrudes in the Z1 direction from the outer circumferential edge of the annular portion 51. The tubular portion 52 is positioned coaxially with the central axis C. The outer diameter of the tubular portion 52 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the support portion 42.

[0027] The movable portion 53 is an umbrella-shaped portion that protrudes radially outward from the Z1-direction end of the cylindrical portion 52. The movable portion 53 is positioned coaxially with the central axis C. The movable portion 53 of the first embodiment is a dome-shaped portion that curves from the Z1-direction end of the cylindrical portion 52 toward the first surface F1 of the substrate 40. Specifically, the movable portion 53 extends from the Z1-direction end of the cylindrical portion 52 to a portion of the first surface F1 that is outside the air vent 45. That is, the outer peripheral edge 55 of the movable portion 53 is positioned outside the air vent 45 in a planar view. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , the outer peripheral edge 55 of the movable portion 53 surrounds the air vent 45 over its entire circumference in a planar view. The movable portion 53 is the outermost portion of the valve member 50 in a planar view. Therefore, the outer peripheral edge 55 of the movable portion 53 is also referred to as the outer peripheral edge 55 of the valve member 50.

[0028] 3, the outer peripheral edge 55 of the movable portion 53 contacts the first surface F1 over the entire circumference of the movable portion 53. Specifically, the outer peripheral edge 55 of the movable portion 53 contacts the first surface F1 of the base portion 41 outside the vent hole 45 in a plan view. That is, the outer peripheral edge 55 of the movable portion 53 contacts an annular area of ​​the first surface F1 of the base portion 41 that is located outside the vent hole 45. Due to the contact between the annular portion 51 and the first surface F1 and the contact between the outer peripheral edge 55 of the movable portion 53 and the first surface F1, the valve member 50 closes the vent hole 45 of the base material 40.

[0029] In the above configuration, when the pressure in the second space S2 increases, the valve member 50 elastically deforms due to the action of the pressure, thereby opening the vent hole 45. Specifically, the pressure in the second space S2 causes the outer peripheral edge 55 of the valve member 50 to curl up from the first surface F1, and the outer peripheral edge 55 moves away from the first surface F1. In other words, the safety valve device 200 opens. Then, gas is released from the second space S2 to the first space S1 through the vent hole 45, thereby reducing the pressure in the second space S2. As described above, the safety valve device 200 of the first embodiment functions as a safety valve that reduces the pressure in the second space S2 by releasing gas from the second space S2 when the pressure in the second space S2 increases.

[0030] In the first embodiment, the outer peripheral edge 55 of the valve member 50 contacts the first surface F1 outside the air vent 45. Therefore, in a normal state where the pressure in the second space S2 is within a predetermined range, the air vent 45 is stably closed by the valve member 50. Closing the air vent 45 can prevent foreign matter such as moisture or dust from entering the second space S2 from the first space S1.

[0031] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the valve member 50 is fixed to the support portion 42 located inside the vent hole 45, so when the pressure in the second space S2 increases, the entire periphery of the valve member 50 can be separated from the first surface F1 of the base material 40. Therefore, when the pressure in the second space S2 increases, the vent hole 45 can be reliably opened.

[0032] The mounting member 60 is a member for fixing the valve member 50 to the base material 40. Generally speaking, the mounting member 60 is inserted into the opening 54 of the valve member 50 and the mounting hole 46 of the base material 40, thereby fixing the valve member 50 to the support portion 42 of the base material 40. In other words, the safety valve unit 30 is installed on the base material 40.

[0033] The mounting member 60 is formed of a material that is harder than the valve member 50. Specifically, the mounting member 60 is a structure made of metal or resin.

[0034] Examples of metal materials used for the mounting member 60 include stainless steel, SPCC (Steel Plate Cold Commercial), and SPHC (Steel Plate Hot Commercial). Additionally, various metal materials such as aluminum, iron, nickel, and copper, or alloy materials containing the above-mentioned metals, can also be used as the main material for the mounting member 60.

[0035] Examples of resin materials used for the mounting member 60 include polycarbonate (PC), acrylic resin (PMMA), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS).

[0036] As described above, in the first embodiment, the valve member 50 is fixed to the base material 40 by the metal or resin mounting member 60, which is configured separately from the valve member 50. Therefore, compared to the configuration of Patent Document 1, in which the mounting stem is integrally formed on the surface of the disc-shaped valve body, the rigidity of the mounting member 60 can be sufficiently ensured. In other words, damage to the mounting member 60 and detachment from the valve member 50 can be suppressed.

[0037] 2 and 3, the mounting member 60 of the first embodiment is a structure including a main body 61, an insertion shaft 62, and a locking portion 63. The main body 61, the insertion shaft 62, and the locking portion 63 are integrally formed by, for example, casting a metal material or injection molding a resin material. However, the mounting member 60 may also be formed by joining multiple parts that are formed separately from one another.

[0038] The main body 61 is a columnar portion located inside the cylindrical portion 52, and is installed coaxially with the central axis C. The outer diameter of the main body 61 is equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 52. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the main body 61 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 52 over the entire circumference.

[0039] The main body 61 includes an upper surface G1 and a lower surface G2 that face opposite each other in the axial direction. The upper surface G1 is the surface of the main body 61 that faces the Z1 direction. The lower surface G2 of the main body 61 is the surface of the main body 61 that faces the Z2 direction.

[0040] 2 and 3, a recess 64 having a regular hexagonal cross section is formed on the top surface G1 of the main body 61. The dimensions (outer diameter and depth) of the recess 64 are arbitrary and are set to a size that allows a tool such as a hexagonal wrench to be inserted therein. In the above configuration, by inserting a tool such as a hexagonal wrench into the recess 64, the mounting member 60 can be easily rotated about the central axis C. Note that the recess 64 may be omitted.

[0041] 3, the insertion shaft 62 is a cylindrical or prismatic portion that protrudes in the Z2 direction from the lower surface G2 of the main body portion 61. The outer diameter of the insertion shaft 62 is smaller than the outer diameter of the main body portion 61. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the insertion shaft 62 is inserted into the opening 54 of the annular portion 51 and the mounting hole 46 of the support portion 42.

[0042] The locking portion 63 is a portion that protrudes radially from the end of the insertion shaft 62 in the Z2 direction (i.e., the tip end of the insertion shaft 62). Specifically, the locking portion 63 in the first embodiment is an elongated portion that protrudes radially from the end of the insertion shaft 62 on both sides. That is, the center of the elongated locking portion 63 is connected to the tip end of the insertion shaft 62. Therefore, the combination of the insertion shaft 62 and the locking portion 63 forms a substantially T-shaped portion.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the locking portion 63 is located in the Z2 direction of the base material 40. Therefore, the base material 40 and the annular portion 51 of the valve member 50 are located between the main body portion 61 (lower surface G2) of the mounting member 60 and the locking portion 63. That is, the annular portion 51 of the valve member 50 is sandwiched between the main body portion 61 and the support portion 42. As described above, in the first embodiment, the locking portion 63 of the mounting member 60 is located in the Z2 direction of the base material 40, thereby fixing the mounting member 60 to the base material 40, and the annular portion 51 of the valve member 50 is sandwiched between the main body portion 61 and the support portion 42. That is, the valve member 50 (annular portion 51) is held by the main body portion 61 and the support portion 42 with an interference. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the first space S1 and the second space S2 will communicate with each other through a gap between the main body portion 61 and the base material 40.

[0044] The distance D shown in FIG. 3 is the distance between the main body portion 61 and the locking portion 63 of the mounting member 60. That is, the distance D corresponds to the entire length of the insertion shaft 62. Here, attention is focused on the initial thickness of the annular portion 51 of the valve member 50. The initial thickness of the annular portion 51 is the thickness in an unloaded state before assembly into the safety valve device 200. The sum of the thickness of the base material 40 and the initial thickness of the annular portion 51 exceeds the distance D between the main body portion 61 and the locking portion 63. Therefore, the annular portion 51 of the valve member 50 is sandwiched between the main body portion 61 and the support portion 42 in a compressed state. This configuration prevents a gap from forming between the main body portion 61 and the base material 40. This effectively reduces the possibility of communication between the first space S1 and the second space S2.

[0045] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram regarding the attachment of the mounting member 60. FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the second surface F2 of the base material 40 as viewed in the Z1 direction. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, a guide groove 47 is formed in the second surface F2 of the base material 40. The guide groove 47 is a recess into which the locking portion 63 of the mounting member 60 engages. The guide groove 47 is formed in a rectangular shape that is elongated in the X-axis direction. The outer dimensions of the guide groove 47 in plan view are slightly larger (for example, by approximately 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm) than the outer dimensions of the locking portion 63. Therefore, the locking portion 63 engages with the inside of the guide groove 47. Furthermore, the depth of the guide groove 47 is sufficiently smaller than the height of the locking portion 63. For example, the depth of the guide groove 47 is approximately 0.1 mm.

[0046] As described above, in the first embodiment, when the pressure in the second space S2 increases, the valve member 50 elastically deforms due to the action of the pressure, opening the vent hole 45, and gas flows from the second space to the first space, thereby reducing the pressure in the second space. In the first embodiment, the valve member 50 is fixed to the base material 40 by a metal or resin mounting member 60 that is configured separately from the valve member 50. Therefore, the rigidity of the mounting member 60 can be sufficiently ensured compared to a configuration in which an mounting stem is integrally formed on the surface of a disc-shaped valve body.

[0047] Next, a method for manufacturing the safety valve device 200 will be described. The safety valve device 200 of the first embodiment is manufactured through a first step and a second step. In the first step, the safety valve unit 30 is constructed by attaching the mounting member 60 to the valve member 50. Specifically, with the insertion shaft 62 and the locking portion 63 passing through the opening 54 of the valve member 50, the main body portion 61 of the mounting member 60 is attached to the inside of the tubular portion 52 of the valve member 50. In the second step after the first step, the safety valve unit 30 is fixed to the base material 40 by the mounting member 60, thereby manufacturing the safety valve device 200.

[0048] In the second step, first, as illustrated as State 1 in Figure 6, with the safety valve unit 30 held in an orientation in which the longitudinal direction of the locking portion 63 of the mounting member 60 is aligned along the Y axis, the locking portion 63 is inserted into the mounting hole 46, whose longitudinal direction is aligned along the Y axis. The locking portion 63 reaches further in the Z2 direction than the second surface F2 of the base material 40. With the locking portion 63 positioned further in the Z2 direction than the second surface F2 of the base material 40, the annular portion 51 of the valve member 50 is compressed between the support portion 42 of the base material 40 and the main body portion 61 of the mounting member 60. Therefore, the mounting member 60 is urged in the Z1 direction by the restoring force of the valve member 50.

[0049] When the locking portion 63 of the mounting member 60 reaches the second surface F2 in the Z2 direction, the safety valve unit 30 is rotated so that the longitudinal direction of the locking portion 63 changes from an angle along the Y axis to an angle along the X axis. To rotate the safety valve unit 30, for example, a hex wrench inserted into the recess 64 of the main body 61 is used. As described above, the mounting member 60 is biased in the Z1 direction. Therefore, when the locking portion 63 rotates to an orientation along the X axis, the locking portion 63 is accommodated in the guide groove 47, whose longitudinal direction is aligned with the X axis. As a result of the locking portion 63 of the mounting member 60 engaging with the guide groove 47 as described above, the possibility of the mounting member 60 inadvertently rotating due to vibration of the safety valve device 200, etc., is reduced. In other words, the possibility of the safety valve unit 30 becoming detached from the substrate 40 is effectively reduced.

[0050] B: Second embodiment A second embodiment will be described. In the following embodiments, elements that have the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions of each element will be omitted as appropriate.

[0051] Fig. 7 is a plan view of a safety valve device 200 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7. As illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8, the safety valve device 200 according to the second embodiment includes a protective cover 70 in addition to the same elements as those of the safety valve device 200 according to the first embodiment (the base material 40, the valve member 50, and the mounting member 60). The protective cover 70 may be interpreted as an element that constitutes the safety valve unit 30 together with the valve member 50 and the mounting member 60. In the second embodiment, the configuration other than the protective cover 70 is substantially similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0052] The protective cover 70 is a resin structure for protecting the valve member 50. Examples of resin materials used to form the protective cover 70 include polycarbonate (PC), acrylic resin (PMMA), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). However, the material of the protective cover 70 is not limited to a resin material. For example, the protective cover 70 may be formed from a metal material.

[0053] The protective cover 70 includes a covering portion 71, an outer wall portion 72, and an inner wall portion 73. The protective cover 70 is a molded product in which the covering portion 71, the outer wall portion 72, and the inner wall portion 73 are integrally formed by a molding technique such as injection molding. However, the protective cover 70 may also be formed by joining multiple portions that are formed separately from one another.

[0054] The covering portion 71 is a flat plate-like portion formed in an annular shape in a plan view, and is disposed coaxially with the central axis C. As illustrated in FIG. 8 , the covering portion 71 faces the first surface F1 of the base material 40 at a predetermined distance. Specifically, the covering portion 71 is disposed in the Z1 direction of the valve member 50. Therefore, the valve member 50 is located between the covering portion 71 and the base material 40.

[0055] The outer wall portion 72 is a cylindrical portion that protrudes in the Z2 direction from the outer peripheral edge of the covering portion 71. The Z2 direction end of the outer wall portion 72 contacts the first surface F1 of the base material 40. The inner diameter of the outer wall portion 72 is greater than the outer diameter of the valve member 50. Therefore, the outer wall portion 72 surrounds the valve member 50 in a plan view.

[0056] A plurality of ventilation holes 74 are formed in the covering portion 71. Each ventilation hole 74 is a through-hole formed in the covering portion 71. The plurality of ventilation holes 74 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. A plurality of ventilation holes 75 are also formed in the outer wall portion 72. Each ventilation hole 75 is a through-hole formed in the outer wall portion 72. The plurality of ventilation holes 75 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. When the valve member 50 is opened, gas that passes through the ventilation hole 45 from the second space S2 passes through each ventilation hole 74 and each ventilation hole 75 and is released into the first space S1.

[0057] The inner wall portion 73 is a cylindrical portion that protrudes in the Z2 direction from the inner peripheral edge of the covering portion 71. The outer diameter of the inner wall portion 73 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer wall portion 72. The cylindrical portion 52 and the movable portion 53 of the valve member 50 are housed in the annular space between the inner wall portion 73 and the outer wall portion 72.

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 8 , the inner wall portion 73 is located between the tubular portion 52 of the valve member 50 and the main body portion 61 of the mounting member 60. Specifically, the outer diameter of the inner wall portion 73 is equal to the inner diameter of the tubular portion 52, and the inner diameter of the inner wall portion 73 is equal to the outer diameter of the main body portion 61. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the inner wall portion 73 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 52, and the inner peripheral surface of the inner wall portion 73 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 61. Furthermore, the end of the inner wall portion 73 in the Z2 direction contacts the annular portion 51 of the valve member 50. As described above, the inner wall portion 73 is sandwiched between the tubular portion 52 and the main body portion 61, thereby fixing the protective cover 70 to the base material 40. With the above configuration, the protective cover 70 can be easily fixed.

[0059] The second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the valve member 50 is covered by the covering portion 71 of the protective cover 70, which reduces the possibility that a fluid such as water sprayed toward the safety valve device 200 will directly collide with the valve member 50. Therefore, inadvertent deformation of the valve member 50 can be suppressed.

[0060] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the valve member 50 is surrounded by the outer wall portion 72 of the protective cover 70, which reduces the possibility that a fluid such as water sprayed from the side of the safety valve device 200 will directly impinge on the valve member 50. Therefore, inadvertent deformation of the valve member 50 can be suppressed.

[0061] C: Modified Example Specific modified embodiments that can be added to the embodiments exemplified above are shown below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined as appropriate within the scope of not being mutually contradictory.

[0062] (1) The structure for forming the ventilation holes 45 in the substrate 40 and the shape of the ventilation holes 45 are not limited to the examples given above.

[0063] For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, a configuration in which a circular opening 44 is formed in the base portion 41 of the substrate 40 has been exemplified, but the planar shape of the opening 44 formed in the base portion 41 is arbitrary. For example, a polygonal or elliptical opening 44 may be formed in the base portion 41. Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, a circular support portion 42 has been exemplified, but the planar shape of the support portion 42 is arbitrary. For example, the planar shape of the support portion 42 may be polygonal or elliptical. The shape of the ventilation hole 45 is arbitrary, corresponding to the planar shape of the opening 44 in the base portion 41 and the planar shape of the support portion 42.

[0064] In addition, the number of connecting portions 43 can be changed arbitrarily. For example, in a configuration in which base portion 41 and support portion 42 are connected by two connecting portions 43, air vent 45 is divided into two semicircular regions.

[0065] (2) The shape of the valve member 50 is not limited to the examples described above. For example, in the examples described above, the valve member 50 includes the annular portion 51, the cylindrical portion 52, and the movable portion 53. However, as shown in FIG. 9, a flat member may be used as the valve member 50.

[0066] 9, the valve member 50 of the first or second embodiment includes a movable portion 53 that curves from the end of the tubular portion 52 in the Z1 direction toward the first surface F1. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the valve member 50 is flat, it is possible to bring only the outer peripheral edge 55 of the valve member 50 into contact with the first surface F1 of the base material 40. In other words, the outer peripheral edge 55 of the valve member 50 is in close contact with the first surface F1 with sufficient pressing force. Therefore, compared to the configuration in FIG. 9, the configuration in which the valve member 50 includes the movable portion 53 has the advantage of being able to suppress flow (leakage) through the vent hole 45 in a normal state.

[0067] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the movable portion 53 has been exemplified as having a dome-like curve from the end of the cylindrical portion 52 in the Z1 direction toward the first surface F1 of the substrate 40, but the shape of the movable portion 53 may be changed as desired. For example, the movable portion 53 may be formed in a truncated cone shape (i.e., a tapered cylindrical shape).

[0068] (3) The shape of the mounting member 60 is not limited to the examples of the above-described embodiments. For example, in the above-described embodiments, an elongated locking portion 63 protruding radially from the tip of the insertion shaft 62 is illustrated. However, as illustrated in FIG. 10 , the locking portion 63 may have the shape of a body of revolution centered on the central axis C. A circular mounting hole 46 is formed in the support portion 42 of the base material 40. The outer diameter of the locking portion 63 is greater than the inner diameter of the mounting hole 46. The mounting member 60 is fixed to the base material 40 by inserting the locking portion 63 into the mounting hole 46 while it is compressed radially. The structure in which the annular portion of the valve member 50 is sandwiched between the main body portion 61 of the mounting member 60 and the base material 40 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0069] (4) In each of the above-described embodiments, the battery unit 100 using the safety valve device 200 is exemplified, but the device in which the safety valve device 200 is employed may be changed as desired. For example, the safety valve device 200 similar to that in each of the above-described embodiments may be employed in a housing 20 that houses a control unit (PCU: Power Control Unit) that controls power in a mobile object such as an electric vehicle.

[0070] (5) In the above-described embodiments, the safety valve unit 30 is fixed to the base material 40 after assembling the safety valve unit 30 by attaching the mounting member 60 to the valve member 50 (first step), but the manufacturing procedure for the safety valve device 200 is not limited to the above examples. For example, the safety valve device 200 may be manufactured by inserting the mounting member 60 into the opening 54 of the valve member 50 and the mounting hole 46 of the base material 40 with the valve member 50 placed on the first surface F1 of the base material 40.

[0071] (6) The term "nth" (n is a natural number) in this application is used only as a formal and convenient label to distinguish each element in the description and does not have any substantive meaning. Therefore, there is no room for restrictive interpretation of the position of each element or the order of manufacture, etc., based on the term "nth."

[0072] D: Notes From the above-described exemplary embodiments, the following configurations can be understood, for example.

[0073] A safety valve device according to one aspect (Aspect 1) of the present disclosure includes a base material having a vent hole formed therein, a valve member formed of an elastic material and closing the vent hole, and a metal or resin mounting member that secures the valve member to the base material. According to the above aspect, when pressure in the second space of a first space and a second space separated by the base material increases, the valve member elastically deforms under the action of the pressure, opening the vent hole, and gas flows from the second space to the first space, thereby reducing the pressure in the second space. In the configuration of the present disclosure, the valve member is secured to the base material by a metal or resin mounting member that is configured separately from the valve member. Therefore, the mounting member can have sufficient rigidity compared to a configuration in which a mounting stem is integrally formed on the surface of a disc-shaped valve body.

[0074] In a specific example (Aspect 2) of Aspect 1, the base material includes a first surface, and the outer peripheral edge of the valve member contacts the first surface outside the air vent in a plan view. According to the above aspect, the outer peripheral edge of the valve member contacts the first surface outside the air vent. Therefore, in a normal state where the pressure in the second space is within a predetermined range, the air vent is stably closed by the valve member. Closing the air vent can prevent foreign matter such as moisture or dust from entering the second space from the first space.

[0075] In a specific example (Aspect 3) of Aspect 2, the base material includes a base portion having an opening formed therein and a support portion located inside the opening in a plan view, the vent hole is the space between the base portion and the support portion, the outer periphery of the valve member contacts the first surface of the base portion, and the mounting member secures the valve member to the support portion. According to this aspect, the valve member is secured to the support portion located inside the vent hole, so that when pressure in the second space increases, the entire periphery of the valve member can be separated from the first surface of the base material. Therefore, when pressure in the second space increases, the vent hole can be reliably opened.

[0076] In a specific example (Aspect 4) of Aspect 3, the valve member includes an annular portion that contacts the first surface of the support portion, a cylindrical portion that protrudes from the outer periphery of the annular portion in a first direction away from the substrate, and a movable portion that protrudes radially outward from the end of the cylindrical portion in the first direction and curves toward the portion of the first surface outside the air hole. In the above aspect, the movable portion of the valve member curves from the end of the cylindrical portion in the first direction toward the first surface. Therefore, compared to, for example, an embodiment in which the valve member is disk-shaped, it is possible to bring only the outer periphery of the valve member into contact with the first surface of the substrate. In other words, the outer periphery of the valve member is in close contact with the first surface with sufficient pressing force. Therefore, flow (leakage) through the air hole in a normal state can be suppressed.

[0077] In a specific example (Aspect 5) of Aspect 4, the mounting member includes a main body portion located inside the tubular portion, an insertion shaft protruding from the main body portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction and inserted into the opening of the annular portion and the mounting hole of the support portion, and a locking portion protruding radially from the end of the insertion shaft in the second direction and located in the second direction of the base material, and the annular portion is sandwiched between the main body portion and the support portion. In the above aspect, the locking portion of the mounting member is located in the second direction of the base material, thereby fixing the mounting member to the base material, and the annular portion of the valve member is sandwiched between the main body portion and the support portion. This reduces the possibility of communication between the first space and the second space through a gap between the main body portion and the base material.

[0078] In a specific example of Aspect 5 (Aspect 6), the annular portion is sandwiched between the main body portion and the support portion in a state where it is compressed by the main body portion and the support portion. In the above aspect, the annular portion of the valve member is sandwiched between the main body portion and the support portion in a state where it is compressed by the main body portion and the support portion. Therefore, formation of a gap between the main body portion and the base material is prevented, and as a result, the possibility of communication between the first space and the second space can be effectively reduced.

[0079] In a specific example (Aspect 7) of Aspect 5 or Aspect 6, a recess having a polygonal cross section is formed on the surface of the main body in the first direction. According to the above aspect, the mounting member can be easily rotated by inserting a polygonal tool such as a hexagonal wrench into the recess.

[0080] In a specific example (Aspect 8) of any of Aspects 5 to 7, the base material includes a second surface opposite the first surface, and a guide groove is formed on the second surface with which the locking portion engages. In the above aspects, the locking portion of the mounting member engages with the guide groove formed on the second surface of the base material. This reduces the possibility of the mounting member inadvertently rotating due to vibration of the safety valve device, etc.

[0081] In a specific example (Aspect 9) of any of Aspects 1 to 8, a protective cover including a covering portion is further provided, and the valve member is positioned between the covering portion and the substrate. In the above aspects, the valve member is covered by the covering portion of the protective cover, reducing the possibility that a fluid such as water sprayed toward the safety valve device will directly impinge on the valve member. Therefore, inadvertent deformation of the valve member can be suppressed.

[0082] In a specific example of Aspect 9 (Aspect 10), the protective cover further includes an outer wall portion that protrudes from the outer peripheral edge of the covering portion in the second direction and surrounds the valve member. In the above aspect, the valve member is surrounded by the outer wall portion of the protective cover, reducing the possibility that a fluid such as water sprayed from the side of the safety valve device will directly impinge on the valve member. This reduces the risk of inadvertent deformation of the valve member.

[0083] In a specific example (Aspect 11) of Aspect 9 or Aspect 10, the protective cover further includes a cylindrical inner wall portion protruding in the second direction from an inner peripheral edge of the covering portion, the inner wall portion being located between the tubular portion and the main body portion. In the above aspect, since the inner wall portion of the protective cover is located between the main body portion and the tubular portion, the protective cover can be easily fixed.

[0084] A safety valve unit according to one aspect (Aspect 12) of the present disclosure is a safety valve unit installed on a substrate having an air vent formed therein, and includes a valve member formed of an elastic material that closes the air vent, and a metal or resin mounting member that secures the valve member to the substrate. According to the above aspect, when pressure in the second space of a first space and a second space separated by the substrate increases, the valve member elastically deforms due to the action of the pressure, opening the air vent, and gas flows from the second space to the first space, thereby reducing the pressure in the second space. In the configuration of the present disclosure, the valve member is secured to the substrate by a metal or resin mounting member that is configured separately from the valve member. Therefore, the mounting member can have sufficient rigidity compared to a configuration in which a mounting stem is integrally formed on the surface of a disc-shaped valve body.

[0085] A battery unit according to one embodiment (embodiment 13) of the present disclosure comprises a housing including a base material having an air vent formed therein, a battery housed in the housing, a valve member formed from an elastic material that closes the air vent, and a metal or resin mounting member that secures the valve member to the base material.

[0086] A method for manufacturing a safety valve device according to one embodiment (embodiment 14) of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a safety valve device comprising a substrate having an air vent and an attachment hole formed therein, a valve member formed from an elastic material and blocking the air vent, and a metal or resin attachment member for fixing the valve member to the substrate, and includes a first step of forming a safety valve unit by attaching the attachment member to the valve member, and a second step of fixing the safety valve unit to the substrate using the attachment member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 100...battery unit, 10...battery, 20...housing, 21...bottom portion, 22...side portion, 30...safety valve unit, 40...base material, 41...foundation portion, 42...support portion, 43...connecting portion, 44...opening, 45...vent hole, 46...mounting hole, 47...guide groove, 50...valve member, 51...annular portion, 52...cylindrical portion, 53...movable portion, 54...opening, 55...outer peripheral edge, 60...mounting member, 61...main body portion, 62...insertion shaft, 63...engaging portion, 64...recess, 70...protective cover, 71...covering portion, 72...outer wall portion, 73...inner wall portion, 74, 75...vent holes.

Claims

1. A substrate having ventilation holes formed therein; a valve member formed of an elastic material and configured to close the ventilation hole; a metal or resin mounting member that fixes the valve member to the base material; A safety valve device comprising:

2. the substrate includes a first surface; The outer circumferential edge of the valve member contacts the first surface outside the vent hole in a plan view. The safety valve device of claim 1.

3. The substrate is a base portion having an opening formed therein; a support portion located inside the opening in a plan view, the ventilation hole is a space between the base portion and the support portion, an outer peripheral edge of the valve member contacts the first surface of the base portion; The mounting member fixes the valve member to the support portion. The safety valve device of claim 2.

4. The valve member is an annular portion that contacts the first surface of the support portion; a cylindrical portion protruding from an outer peripheral edge of the annular portion in a first direction opposite to the base material; a movable portion that protrudes radially outward from an end of the cylindrical portion in the first direction and that curves toward an outer portion of the air hole on the first surface. The safety valve device of claim 3.

5. The mounting member is a main body portion located inside the cylindrical portion; an insertion shaft that protrudes from the main body portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction and is inserted into the opening of the annular portion and the mounting hole of the support portion; a locking portion that protrudes radially from an end portion of the insertion shaft in the second direction and is positioned in the second direction of the base material, The annular portion is sandwiched between the main body portion and the support portion. The safety valve device of claim 4.

6. The annular portion is sandwiched between the main body portion and the support portion in a compressed state by the main body portion and the support portion. The safety valve device of claim 5.

7. A recess having a polygonal cross section is formed on the surface of the main body in the first direction. The safety valve device of claim 5.

8. the substrate includes a second surface opposite the first surface; The second surface is formed with a guide groove with which the locking portion engages. The safety valve device of claim 5.

9. Further comprising a protective cover including a covering portion, The valve member is located between the covering portion and the substrate. The safety valve device of claim 5.

10. the protective cover further includes an outer wall portion; The outer wall portion protrudes in the second direction from an outer peripheral edge of the covering portion and surrounds the valve member. The safety valve device of claim 9.

11. the protective cover further includes a cylindrical inner wall portion protruding in the second direction from an inner peripheral edge of the covering portion, The inner wall portion is located between the cylindrical portion and the main body portion. The safety valve device according to claim 9 or 10.

12. A safety valve unit that is installed on a substrate having a vent hole formed therein, a valve member formed of an elastic material and configured to close the ventilation hole; a metal or resin mounting member that fixes the valve member to the base material; A safety valve unit comprising:

13. a housing including a base material having a ventilation hole formed therein; a battery housed in the housing; a valve member formed of an elastic material and configured to close the ventilation hole; a metal or resin mounting member that fixes the valve member to the base material; A battery unit comprising:

14. a base material having a ventilation hole and an attachment hole formed therein; a valve member formed of an elastic material and configured to close the ventilation hole; a metal or resin mounting member that fixes the valve member to the base material; A method for manufacturing a safety valve device comprising: a first step of attaching the mounting member to the valve member to form a safety valve unit; a second step of fixing the safety valve unit to the base material with the mounting member; A manufacturing method comprising:

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